*Votive axe

*Votive axe

representing the god of corn. The massive, rectangular head seems to extend directly into the bust. The face has a pronounced zoomorphic appearance. The trapezoidal mouth is wide open and the upper lip is upturned, revealing the gum line. The lower lip is hemmed. The corners of the mouth are rounded, hollowed and pulled downwards. The nose is flattened and touches the raised upper lip. The almond-shaped eyes are indicated by an incision; the superciliary arches, also incised, are in line with the sinusoidal features. The truncated cone-shaped body is schematized. It is a rectangular mass, with tracings representing the figure's arms, hands and fingers. In the center of the bust, a wide belt holds a rectangular double loincloth. Metamorphic rock composed of calcic amphiboles belonging to the actinote series, diffuse presence of iron oxide. Olmec - Veracruz, Mexico, 900 - 600 B.C. 25.8 x 13.6 x 8 cm Provenance : - Former Alfred Stendhal collection, (Ca) 1960 - Certificate of authenticity issued by Hasso von Winning since March 1973 An analysis by Laboratoire M.S.M.A.P. will be given to the buyer.